@William P. you are absolutely correct...the quality of the sponsor is critical.

So knowing what to say when talking to these companies is not critical, but it is important.

The sense of urgency is critical as each day land diminishes as well as opportunity.

That area is affordable, however it's critical to have some one who is savvy , and  have your best interset at heart ,since you are planning on investing long distance. 

Sounds like the details are critical here.

Property Management is critical to the success of an out of state investment.

Or the guy who kept a homeowner who was in bad straights from listing their home with an agent for a critical 30 or 60 days, causing them to end up in foreclosure when you fail to follow through?

Given our relatively short relationship I am not sure at this point how much critical feedback and analysis they will provide once I am in escrow if for example they think the deal is not worth it or if they would only be interested in getting the commission...

Nice neighborhood, near elementary school, mix of SFR and 2 units on the street.Here are the numbers rounded up using BP calculator, let me know if I'm missing any critical info to allow you to help.Asking $75KDown & closing: $10KTaxes $6600 (rounded up)Repairs: $30K (my rough estimate.

It's critical to use an attorney who specializes in landlord/tenant law, not divorce, car accidents, or personal injury.